Tuesday, May 8, 1990

Leonard P. Stavisky to Oppose Congressman Scheuer

LEAD: State Senator Leonard P. Stavisky announced yesterday that he would challenge a fellow Democrat, Representative James H. Scheuer, for his Congressional seat.

State Senator Leonard P. Stavisky announced yesterday that he would challenge a fellow Democrat, Representative James H. Scheuer, for his Congressional seat.

Mr. Stavisky attacked Mr. Scheuer, who represents the 8th Congressional District, calling him ''a carpetbagger'' who has represented three different districts in the last 20 years.

Mr. Stavisky, who will have to give up almost certain re-election to the State Senate, also called the 70-year-old lawmaker ''one of the worst Congressmen in the country'' and a politician who ''has shamefully neglected his district.''

A spokesman for Mr. Scheuer said the statements seemed odd considering Mr. Stavisky's support for Mr. Scheuer from 1982 to 1988, and said the Scheuer camp doubted Mr. Stavisky would really run, jeopardizing his career.

The 8th district covers parts of northeastern Queens, the South Bronx and Great Neck, L.I., and will probably be dismembered when district lines are redrawn next year.

Representative Thomas J. Manton, the Queens Democratic leader, said he would support Mr. Scheuer in the September primary. But Mr. Stavisky, who will be 65 in September and who has represented much of the Queens part of the district as an Assemblyman and State Senator for 25 years, would also have strong support from party organizations. - NY Times, May 8, 1990